The 3 Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors and Pads of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter

By Ayanna Redwood-Crawford

Ayanna Redwood-Crawford is a writer focused on sleep. She has tested body pillows, mattresses, and other sleep technology.

After a new round of testing, the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector remains our top-pick waterproof mattress protector. The IKEA Grusnarv is our budget pick.

For waterproof mattress pads, we recommend the Peapod Mat.

Have you ever changed the sheets, noticed a stain on the mattress, and felt humbled? If so, we get it. Whether you’re in the throes of potty training a child, have incontinence (or care for someone who does), or are simply prone to spilling stuff, a waterproof mattress protector can save the day — and keep your mattress as clean and fresh as the day you bought it.

After testing nearly 30 waterproof mattress protectors and pads, we found that the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector and the Peapod Mat were the two best options for keeping a mattress clean and dry. They shielded our mattress against leaks of all kinds, held up through multiple rounds of laundering, and were comfortable to sleep on.

This waterproof mattress cover offers stellar protection and durability, and it’s been a top pick since 2018. But it’s not as soft as other options.

This waterproof pad absorbs liquids well and keeps them from spreading. But it’s more expensive than other pads we tested.

This protector is similar to the SafeRest in waterproofing and style, yet it's about half the price. It comes in fewer sizes, though.

We tested nearly 30 protectors by exposing them to a variety of common messes (simulated urine, bile, and vomit, among others).

If you have multiple protectors on hand, middle-of-the-night messes are easier to handle. So we focused on options that balanced performance with affordability.

A mattress protector should go unnoticed below your sheets as you toss and turn.

A good mattress protector should fit snugly and stay put through the night.

This waterproof mattress cover offers stellar protection and durability, and it’s been a top pick since 2018. But it’s not as soft as other options.

The SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector is the most effective and durable protector we tested, and it’s also among the most affordable. It remained completely leakproof through several spill tests and seven cycles of laundering. The care instructions are easy to follow, and unlike other options we tested, this cover did not require several drying cycles to get completely dry.

While the cotton-polyester terry top is surprisingly rough and scratchy, you’re unlikely to notice it underneath a sheet.

The SafeRest protector fits snugly and can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches thick. It comes in more sizes than our other picks (crib, twin XL, and California king) and has a 10-year warranty.

This waterproof pad absorbs liquids well and keeps them from spreading. But it’s more expensive than other pads we tested.

Waterproof pads don’t cover the whole mattress, but they’re convenient to put on and take off, and they’re easier to wash. Of the mats we tested, the Peapod Mat was the most absorbent and leakproof, preventing liquids from reaching the mattress or spreading. Other pads we tested bunched or slid around. But the Peapod Mat has a coated polyester underlayer that helps it grip the mattress, so it’s great for sleepers who toss and turn at night.

This pad comes in three sizes. The large (3 feet by 5 feet) fits the width of a queen-size mattress; the medium (3 by 3 feet) and small (1.5 by 1.5 feet) mats are better suited for twin beds or cribs, or to use on a sofa or wheelchair. None of the sizes are wide enough to cover a king-size bed. The Peapod Mat comes with a 30-day return policy.

This protector is similar to the SafeRest in waterproofing and style, yet it's about half the price. It comes in fewer sizes, though.

The IKEA Grusnarv Waterproof Mattress Protector performed well during our spill tests, preventing liquids from reaching the mattress below. This protector looks similar to our top pick, but it is made from 100% polyester, instead of having a cotton top. The smooth polyester top layer proved to be much softer and quieter to sleep on, but messes tended to spread out across the protector, rather than remaining localized to one spot.

We also found that this option was more difficult to launder, since it remained sudsy after each wash, requiring multiple rinse cycles. But it’s half the price of our top pick, so it is a good option if you’re not expecting frequent messes.

The IKEA Grusnarv protector comes in fewer sizes than our top pick, and it fits mattresses up to 12 inches only. It has a 365-day return policy.

I’m a staff writer at Wirecutter, and I test products related to sleeping and living more comfortably. I’ve written guides to mattress and pillow encasements, body pillows, mattress toppers, and wearable sleep-tracking devices, and I’ve tested dozens of mattresses.

For this guide:

You’re a good candidate for a waterproof mattress protector or pad if you have young kids or pets, you have incontinence or are a caregiver to someone who does, or you are just prone to spilling stuff in bed. Here are the reasons why:

A waterproof protector safeguards your mattress from stains, odors, and mold: The right waterproof protector can prevent bodily fluids and other messy liquids from soaking into your mattress. Those effluvia can permanently stain your mattress and leave a lingering stench. Mold can grow within just 24 to 28 hours, and it thrives in dark, damp spaces. Therefore, it’s important to have a waterproof barrier to protect your mattress from dampness.

It’s easier to clean up messes and accidents: A waterproof mattress protector can make a middle-of-the-night accident less stressful. If you own two protectors (which we recommend if you or someone in your care has frequent incontinence), you can simply throw the soiled one in the washing machine, put on a clean one and a fresh set of sheets, and go right back to bed. For someone with full incontinence, Lindsey Vestal, occupational therapist and founder of in-home pelvic health practice Functional Pelvis, suggests using a waterproof mattress protector in conjunction with absorbent underwear or adult diapers. (See our guides to the best incontinence underwear and adult diapers.)

Accidents can happen wherever, whenever. So we focused both on encasement-style mattress protectors for nighttime use as well as pads that offer protection while traveling or for other surfaces (like on couches, in kids’ playpens, or in the car). After speaking with experts, reading parenting and incontinence forums, and researching options from popular brands, we focused on waterproof protectors and pads that met the following criteria:

First, we poured water containing blue dye on each protector, and then we placed weights on the stains for an hour. If a protector allowed the blue dye to seep through to the mattress, we eliminated it from the running. (The initial blue-dye spill test helped us to eliminate seven protectors and one pad). Then we washed and dried each remaining protector five times, following the manufacturer’s care instructions and noting any degradation.

After our washing and drying tests, we poured one cup of blue-dye water onto each protector, with seven layers of paper towels underneath. We then put a five-pound weight on top of the soiled area and let it sit for an hour. If water leaked through to the paper towels, we eliminated that protector from the running.

We did a second round of spill tests on the remaining contenders. For this test, we set up each protector on a mattress and covered it with a fitted sheet. We then poured splotches of food-grade pig blood and homemade, synthetic concoctions designed to mimic urine, bile, and diarrhea on a bed.

To figure out how to simulate urine, bile, and diarrhea so they’d have the same density as the real substances, I spoke to Sammy Wang, a senior scientist at Procter & Gamble’s Fabric Care department.

For urine stains, I used a 13.5-ounce mixture of water, saline, and yellow and orange dye per spill; 13.5 ounces is the typical amount held by an adult bladder before the urge to urinate becomes strong, according to Vestal. Children ages 4 to 9 will likely release between 6 to 9 ounces.

To accurately test the effect of menstrual blood on a mattress protector, I consulted with my own gynecologist, Emily Blanton. She noted that very little research has been done to measure the volume of period blood released per day, per cycle, but she cautiously guessed that it might be around 40 mL, or 2.7 tablespoons, per day.

To mimic bile and diarrhea, I mixed carbomer, baby food, and saline solution in varying quantities. We landed on using two tablespoons of “bile” and three tablespoons of “diarrhea” on each protector. We then let these substances sit on each protector, under a 10-pound weight, for two hours.

With the waterproof pads, before we spilled the liquids, we tossed and turned on the pads to see whether they would bunch up or slide around the bed.

This waterproof mattress cover offers stellar protection and durability, and it’s been a top pick since 2018. But it’s not as soft as other options.

Of the dozen fitted waterproof protectors we tested, the SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector most effectively prevented liquids from reaching the mattress or spreading too far. It also dried quickly after washing, and it comes in multiple sizes. It has a 10-year warranty, which is the longest one among the options we tested.

It’s leakproof and prevents liquids from spreading. The SafeRest protector survived two rounds of spill testing and seven rounds of laundering, and it still proved to be leakproof. It was especially effective at preventing the spread of synthetic urine, which tended to wick across other protectors.

It’s easy to wash and dry. The SafeRest protector was one of the few we tested that was thin and lightweight enough to fit in a standard-size washing machine and still leave space for other clothes. (Some of the other protectors we tested were so bulky and thick that they required their own wash and dry cycles). And even with all of the liquids and substances we threw at it, the SafeRest protector always came out of the wash completely clean and dried within one cycle (other protectors required several).

It snugly fits a wide range of mattresses. The SafeRest protector snugly fit our queen-size, 12-inch mattress. Despite the extra texture on the top layer, this protector was virtually undetectable underneath the fitted sheet. It can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches thick, and it comes in less-common sizes, including crib, twin XL, and California king.

It’s affordable and has a 10-year warranty. The SafeRest protector is less expensive than many others we tested, despite offering the best waterproofing, durability, and versatility. It also comes with a 10-year warranty — by far the longest warranty among the waterproof protectors we tested.

It feels scratchy and is a little noisy. The SafeRest’s terry-cloth top looks fluffy, but it actually feels a little scratchy and rough, even after several rounds of laundering. However, the scratchiness is hardly noticeable once you place a fitted sheet over it. We also found that the thin laminate underside made a slight ruffling noise when we moved around on the bed, sort of like crumpling paper. While it was noticeable, we don’t think it’s loud enough to disturb your sleep.

This waterproof pad absorbs liquids well and keeps them from spreading. But it’s more expensive than other pads we tested.

The Peapod Mat was the softest, most protective, and most stable waterproof pad we tested. It has a coated, grippy bottom layer, which helps it stay in place while you’re sleeping.

It’s leakproof and durable. The Peapod Mat remained completely leakproof after being soiled with our test substances — even after we let them sit for several hours. While other mattress pads eventually leaked, this one readily absorbed the test liquids, keeping the paper towels and mattress beneath bone-dry. The Peapod also maintained its durability and waterproofing ability after many rounds of laundering.

It stays in place on the bed. This mat has a polyester bottom layer coated in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which helps it grip the mattress. So the mat stays in place, even as you shift around on the bed. Other pads we tested lacked this layer and slid noticeably.

It’s versatile and can be used anywhere. We like that the large Peapod Mat (3 by 5 feet) fits the width of a queen-size mattress when placed horizontally. It comes in two other sizes: 3 by 3 feet and 1.5 by 1.5 feet (these sizes are convenient for other scenarios where an accident may occur, like in the car, on a chair, or on the couch). The Peapod Mat can work for pets during travel or for incontinent or aging pets who struggle to get up in time.

It’s pricey for the size. The Peapod Mat is relatively more expensive than other waterproof mattress pads we tested. But we think its performance and durability make it worth the cost, and you’re less likely to need to replace it over time. It’s completely reusable after washing and doesn’t rely on a disposable top layer, like some of the other pads we tested.

This protector is similar to the SafeRest in waterproofing and style, yet it's about half the price. It comes in fewer sizes, though.

At half the price of our top pick, the IKEA Grusnarv Waterproof Mattress Protector is soft, and it protects against leaks. But it comes in fewer sizes, and it’s more difficult to launder, requiring several rinse cycles to wash out detergent.

It’s leakproof and reliable. The IKEA Grusnarv easily outperformed the other protectors we tested in its price range, keeping all liquid from seeping into the mattress below. (Liquids spread more easily than they did with our top pick, but the Grusnarv is half the price.) The Grusnarv also held up well during seven laundry cycles without its fabric showing signs of degrading.

It’s soft and quiet. Compared with our top pick, the IKEA Grusnarv feels softer to the touch, and it makes less noise when you move around.

It’s inexpensive. If you have multiple rooms in your home, or you want to have multiple protectors on hand, the Grusnarv protector is a great value.

It’s a hassle to wash. We had to put the IKEA Grusnarv protector through two rinse cycles because it retained so much soapy water. We suggest that you use minimal detergent when washing this protector.

And it doesn’t come in as many sizes as our top pick. The Grusnarv comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes; our top pick also comes in crib, twin XL, and California king sizes.

If you don’t mind spending more for Fair Trade materials: The Birch Waterproof Mattress Protector does its main job well: It’s leakproof, it has a clean design, and it looks and feels like a breathable cotton fitted sheet. Also, this protector is waterproof on all sides, unlike our top two picks and other options. The cotton components are Fair Trade–certified; this means the cotton is ethically and sustainably produced.

But it all comes at a cost. Much like other options with sustainability certifications, including protectors from Naturepedic, Happsy, and Avocado, the Birch protector is more than double the price of our top pick (and the Birch protector is the cheapest of these options).

The Amazon Basics Waterproof Fitted Mattress Protector didn’t pass our spill test. The liquid leaked through the protector almost immediately.

The Helix Waterproof Mattress Protector also didn’t perform well. While the liquid didn’t completely soak the paper towels underneath, there was still significant leakage.

The SpringSpirit Quilted Mattress Protector showed signs of melting during the final round of drying.

The Company Store Company Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector is a six-sided encasement that we were excited to try. However, during our initial spill tests, the liquid immediately soaked right through.

The Company Store’s Legends Hotel Waterproof Mattress Pad was so well made and comfy that it could double as a thin mattress topper. But to dry completely, this protector needed multiple cycles in the dryer and a few hours of air-drying. Plus, it was one of the most expensive protectors we tested.

We liked that the Bedecor Waterproof Mattress Protector had a similar look and feel to the SafeRest. And this one made it through the multiple rounds of laundry tests and our initial blue-dye spill test. But when we tested it on the bed, the “urine” we used soaked through and left a damp spot on our mattress.

When we tested the Elelen Waterproof Mattress Protector on our bed, the blood and the “urine” both soaked through the protector and leaked significantly onto our mattress.

The Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad looked and performed similar to the Birch. However, it doesn’t have as many manufacturing certifications, and it is more expensive.

We liked that the Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector’s silicone straps allowed it to fit multiple mattress depths, and it performed well in our spill tests. But it costs four times as much as our top pick.

During our spill test, the liquid completely soaked through the Utopia Bedding Mattress Protector.

The Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector and the Happsy Organic Mattress Protector Pad are both made with organic cotton certified by the Control Union. And they are incredibly similar in look and feel (we frequently got them confused!). They also performed well, had the same certifications, and had similar trial and warranty periods. But they were much more expensive than our picks as well as the Birch, which is also made with similar materials.

The thin, quilted mattress topper on the Lands’ End Waterproof Mattress Pad looks comfortable to sleep on. However, there was slight yet noticeable leakage during the first spill test, and it took a very long time to dry.

The Priva Ultra Plus Sheet Protector performed okay, but liquids tended to seep toward the edges of the mattress and remain there. Plus, the largest available size (44 by 52 inches) won’t cover the entire width of a queen-size mattress, creating the potential for leaks.

The Linenspa Waterproof Sheet Protector performed well in testing and is a previous pick. But it shifted a lot on the bed when we rolled around, and owners have complained about this protector moving around and bunching up during sleep.

The NorthShore Champion XD Washable Underpad came with a reusable under pad and disposable top pad. It performed well, but we think a fully reusable pad, like the Peapod Mat, is more convenient.

The Wearaver Waterproof Incontinence Bed Pad comes in only one size, and it doesn’t fit the span of a queen-size mattress. This pad also comes with “wings”; they weren’t long enough to tuck under our mattress and were not waterproof, so there was too much of a risk for spreading and leaks.

This article was edited by Christina Colizza and Courtney Schley.

Lindsey Vestal, occupational therapist and founder of the Functional Pelvis, email interview, January 27, 2025

Emily Blanton, gynecologist at Maiden Lane Medical, email interview, January 28, 2025

Sammy Wang, senior scientist/scientific communications manager at Procter & Gamble Fabric Care, video interview, August 15, 2024

Harrison King, VP of engineering and quality at American Textile Company, email interview, March 26, 2018

Ayanna Redwood-Crawford

Ayanna Redwood-Crawford is a writer based in Brooklyn, New York, covering sleep topics. Previously she worked with Sad Girls Club as a managing editor and was a copywriter and editor predominantly for female-led businesses. When she isn’t writing and sleeping (for research), you can usually find her baking (a lot!).

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